Car Seats by Age

Car seats come in a variety of sizes and shapes however, they are all designed to protect children based on their age. It's recommended that children ride in their car seat until they've reached the manufacturer's height or weight limits and then use an extra seat until the vehicle belts fit properly, typically when they reach 4 feet 9 inches tall or age 10 to 12.

If you are looking for a new seat look for features such as fabric that resists stains and pieces that are removable that can easily be machine-washed. Hardware that is easy to clean is also considered.

rear facing infant car seat-facing

Rear-facing car seats cradle babies and toddlers, securing their delicate necks and spines in the event of a crash. They are also safer since they distribute the impact force over more of a larger area which minimizes spinal cord injuries.

Parents are often enticed by the thought of moving their children to a forward-facing seat before they're ready. However the American Academy of Pediatrics advises that you keep them rear-facing as long as you can. This means they should be moved to a forward-facing seat only when they've reached their height or weight limit of their current seat, according to the specifications of the manufacturer.

Children's head are large in relation to their bodies and is still developing. This makes them more vulnerable in a crash. The head of a child is capable of generating up to 25 times the weight of their body in a collision which is more than enough force to cause a fatal injury. This is the reason why children who sit in a car seat facing to the side are at a higher danger of suffering fatal head injuries.

Many parents believe that their kids have necks that are stronger than their older children, meaning they'll be able to transition to an forward-facing car seat faster. However, it's important to keep in mind that a child who is in the 95th percentile isn't any stronger than 5th percentile kids and no amount of teen push-ups can alter the fact that. In the event of a car accident the head of a bigger child is likely to hit with much more force, which could result in spinal cord and brain injuries.

When your child outgrows their infant car seat, you can switch to a convertible car seat that lets them stay facing the rear until they reach the maximum weight or height limit. Children usually reach their height limit first. So, it's important to follow the instructions of the manufacturer of the car seat on when to switch them to forward-facing mode.

If your child is at the weight limit or height of their convertible car seat, it's time to put them in an adult booster seat. Most booster seats have an integrated angle indicator that tells you when the seat is properly installed and is ready to switch to face forward. It is best to use a booster seat in the back of your vehicle and always with a lap belt (never a shoulder belt) to ensure the strongest protection for your child in case of crash.

Forward-facing

Parents are often enticed by the idea of turn their child's car seats by age seat around as they get older, simply because it's more comfortable. But they must remember that rear-facing is safer for children.

Having a baby car seat face forward in the car seat puts their necks at risk in the event of a crash, as the head could be thrown back by force against the front seat and could cause permanent injury to the spine. Whiplash can happen even in the event that the neck muscles of the child are strong. This is especially applicable to children who are younger like infants.

A child facing forward is more likely to hit his head on the dashboard or even a window, in a crash. Based on the kind of crash is occurring and how fast the car is moving the head could be hit against the seat. This could result in a fractured skull or spinal chord.

The current safety standards require that children remain rear-facing until they are 20 pounds and one year old age. This is due to the fact that younger children do not have the strength of their necks to withstand the force in a head-on collision which is the most severe kind of accident where automobiles are involved.

The harness and tether aid in keeping the child's head stable, reducing neck strain. Furthermore, a rear-facing child is less likely to suffer head injuries due to the fact that the impact is cushioned with the body of the seat.

If you have a baby under a year in a convertible car seat or all-in-one seat that can change from forward-facing to rear-facing ensure that you read the instructions of the manufacturer about when it is safe for your child to be facing the front. The guidelines will tell you whether or not you should use a tether as well as the height and weight limits for that seat.

Once your child has reached the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer, they are able to use a forward-facing seat with a tether. When they've reached that point, you can now take them on a trip with a booster.

Booster seat

There is no age limit or height that children are able to safely stop using booster seats. Kids should use one until the belt fits them correctly and that could take anytime between age 8 and 13.

A booster increases the height of a child to ensure that they are able to sit upright in a car. It also positions the shoulder part of the belt so it is close to, but not over, the chest. The lap part of the belt should be placed across the thighs and not the stomach. Booster seats have a built-in belt guide to ensure that the belt is correctly positioned.

Booster seats are available with or without a rearrest. The most popular type is a high-back booster, that provides neck and head support for children. This is a great option for vehicles that have low backs and no headrests. Backless boosters are less expensive however they don't offer head or neck support. Some all-in-one boosters permit you to switch between booster and harness modes, making them suitable for children who are in harness mode until about 65 pounds and then as a booster seat up to about 100 pounds.

Some boosters come with an anchor system for lower anchors (LATCH) that hooks to the lower anchors of the vehicle and a tether, in the event that it is available. Some boosters require the seat belt to keep them in place. Review the instruction manual for your vehicle to determine if you're able to use the lower anchors inside your car, and also read the instructions for booster seats to learn how to use them.

Some parents might be enticed to let their three-year-old, 30 pound child immediately go to a booster seat, as they're becoming too tall for the car seat. It's dangerous to "graduate" the child from the harness. Children can be injured or even killed if the belt is too loose in an accident.

Back seat

All children should be in the back seat of a vehicle for as long as possible with a child safety seat or booster seat that is properly installed. Children who are too large for a rear facing car seat, or who have exceeded its weight and height limits they should change to a forward-facing child restraint with harness until they reach the maximum height for this type of seat.

When your child is no longer able to fit in the rotating infant car seat car seat, they can be moved to a convertible or all-in-one car seat with a rear-facing seat. Most of the time, these seats can be used for a period of up to two years or until your child is over the seat's maximum weight and height limit. If you have a vehicle with a middle-seat, install the car safety seat in a way that it is securely secured in this position using the lower anchor system or seat belt.

If your child has outgrown their rear-facing car seat and is tall enough, they can be put in a front-facing child restraint equipped with a harness and tether. These seats are usually used until your child is 57 inches in height or reaches the maximum weight and height requirements for the seat. The manufacturer's instructions or a sticker on the car seat will inform you the height and weight it is able to support.

All children over the age of 18 should be in a booster seat or a vehicle's lap belt, if possible. If not utilize the middle back seat restraint. Also, they should not sit in front if the airbag is in use. Children who sit in the front seats are more likely to be injured in collisions because their bodies are smaller.

It is a good idea to take your child to a local car seat clinic or inspection station for help with choosing and installing the best car seat newborn uk child safety seat. They can also check to find out if your child's seat has been removed due to safety concerns or other flaws. You can then choose a seat that is compatible with your car and the child's height. If you can't try out a seat, see if it has a policy for refunds.